Modern Lives. Sacred Traditions.

The chronos and kairos of our lives

By Sister Amy Taylor, FSPA on Thursday, May 19th 2016

Photo credit: Sister Amy Taylor, FSPA

Many of us live with calendars that are full. Even on the rare occasion that a meeting gets canceled, another task usually arises before there is time to celebrate the possibility of moments to breathe.

Long before smartphones beeped to make us jump from one moment to the next, Jesus knew what it was like to feel pulled in different directions. He could recognize the effects of over scheduling in the lives of his apostles ... could see, as in Mark 6:30-33, when it was time for rest.

Like the apostles, we often have lives that do not stop. And when such rare free time comes along, someone is always waiting to fill it. It’s important in life and in times of discernment to make moments for stillness. It may be choosing quiet while commuting to work; going outside to take a break, eat lunch. Time allowed for rest and renewal of our minds and of our souls helps us and, ultimately, those around us. We all need those crazy moments that burst from our calendars (chronos) slowed down and transformed into contemplative, rejuvenating time(kairos). It’s amazing what God can offer in even the smallest of minutes!

How does your calendar tell the story ofchronosandkairosin your life? If someone were to read it like a book—moment-by-moment—what would they learn about you? Is God mentioned from time-to-time?